Scott Hallsworth sells Kurobuta and launches new pop-up

Scott Hallsworth has launched a new London pop-up following the sale of his Kurobuta restaurant group.

The Australian chef originally opened Kurobuta in London in 2014 and the business has grown to two permanent sites in Marble Arch and Chelsea.

A representative for Hallsworth confirmed he has since sold the business and is 'very much looking forward' to focusing on new projects. Both Kurobuta restaurants currently remain open.

His first venture is Freak Scene, a new three-month Japanese residency which began in Farringdon on 21 July.

Described as ‘affordable, lively and laidback’, the 40-cover restaurant serves a mix of pan-Asian dishes with a new sake each week.

Average spend is expected at around £38 a head, including drinks, with dishes including tea-smoked lamb chops with spicy Korean miso; thai red curry with duck leg; and chilli crab with avocado wonton ‘bombs’.

The restaurant is open from 12pm until 11.30pm-midnight seven days a week, and is bring-your-own on Sundays.

Hallsworth worked at Nobu in London for six years until 2007 and helped launch the high-end Japanese group in Melbourne.

Though Freak Scene is initially set for a short run, a statement announcing the launch encouraged diners to ‘vote with their bellies’ if they want the restaurant to remain open longer.